AND LOVE CHAP 154
Josh's Senior Prom
Cassandra is a nervous wreck. This is like a coming out event for she and Josh. She remembers her 16th birthday party, but this is different. This is bigger. It's like the entire school is watching. And they are. And if Josh is crowned prom king! The spotlight will be bright; and he will be expected to dance with the queen. And be the queen's official 'date'.
He's promised Cassie a dance, but will that actually happen? It's not like either of them are insecure in their relationship; they are secure with each other. But she is a junior classman; and not the smartest or the best-looking girl in her class. She isn't a class officer either. Some girls in her position would shrivel up and hide away. She's trying not to do that. What does she have going for her? Who is in her corner?
Josh.
Her family.
Her faith.
Her mother wanted to burn the gown that Sarah made. The one that drove Eli over the edge. Cassie resisted; she isn't sure why. Maybe it's because she wore that gown on her 1st big, official date with Josh. Maybe because she looks so beautiful in it. Maybe because his eyes lit up and sparkled when he 1st saw her in it. He had said 'keep it'. So she kept it in her closet. Mom didn't interfere.
She and mom had found another beautiful gown. This one was a shimmery white floor length, with silver highlights. Sweetheart neckline, deep V back. It had a left-side slit to 3" above the knee. That made her a little nervous; mom said it was perfect. She decided that mother knows best. When she had come out of the dressing room with it on, several waiting ladies looked at her and smiled approvingly. She guessed it was ok.
Eddie had updated Josh; he had a deep pink rosebud wrist corsage waiting for her. He was a knockout in his black tuxedo.
When she carefully walked downstairs, he was speechless. No matter who was voted, he was positive that he had found the QUEEN! With trembling hands, he gently put the corsage on her left wrist. While he gave her a light kiss on the cheek, he whispered "You are gorgeous, Cass!" She blushed, and said "You are looking fabulous too!"
They paused so mom and dad could get some pictures. Mal got some video of the couple leaving.
He took her hand and led her out to Eddie's baby. Mom had graciously let her favorite young couple use her vintage Porsche Boxster. They were going to make an entrance! And they did.
When they pulled up and parked, Josh revved the engine twice. Those outside stopped, heads turned. A couple of guys flipped him off; a couple girls flipped their hair in disgust. They were noticed. More than Cassie would have liked. They walked in hand-in-hand. He checked her wrap, they found a table with Zeke, his date and some other teammates. After some small talk, Josh and Zeke left to get some drinks. "I've got news," Zeke whispered. "Oh, do tell," Josh came back with. "Yeah, I decided to play ball with you for 2 years, at Rutgers."
Josh almost drops his 2 drinks. "WHAT! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" He sets his drinks down, grabs Zeke around the waist and twirls him around. (Now, Zeke is the team's center. Not a little guy) The gym goes silent; Cassie gets up and rushes over. Josh and Zeke welcome her into their jubilant hug. Josh whispers the news; Cass gives Zeke a kiss on the cheek. The big guy blushes furiously. His date frowns, then recovers.
After 30" the prom host and hostess take the stage. They quiet the crowd and make the big announcement. "The prom queen is . . . Patsy Lind! And the prom king is Zeke Wilson! Congratulations to both of them!"
Josh slapped his buddy on the back. "Congrats, big guy!" Zeke was totally stunned.
His date looked stunned also. She might not see him the rest of the night. Cassie leaned over to her, "Don't be so down. You may have a couple of dances with Josh. If he agrees, that is."
Josh looks at her, questioningly. "Really?"
"Sure. I get all the rest, correct?" She smirks.
"You got 'em, baby!" He grins.
As the band starts to tune up, Josh offers his hand to Katy. She gratefully takes it. Katy isn't pretty as you'd probably define it. She is quite smart though. She got acquainted with Zeke as his math tutor. She has helped him stay sports eligible, and he really appreciates that, and her. She and Josh do 2 dances. Several couples give that the wondering eye. They couldn't believe it.
After the 2nd number, they came back and sat down. They finished their drinks and Katy leaned over to Cassie; "Thank you," she whispered. "You're welcome," Cass replied. They smiled at each other.
After Josh and Zeke brought selected snacks back to the girls, they chatted some more. They learned that Katy was going to go to Rutgers SAS like Cassie would be. Katy would be majoring in math, minor in education. She had the goal of teaching. It looked like a foursome of friends.
Soon Josh rose and offered Cassie his hand. She accepted, of course. They ambled to the dance floor and started swaying in time to the music. Cassie embraced him closely. It felt so good, so right. He looked down at her, pure affection shining in his eyes.
It wasn't long before the cutters showed up. They just drew themselves closer; leaving frowns in their wake. They didn't even see the disappointed looks. Zeke stopped by and snapped some pictures. Cheryl did too; she was covering the prom in team leader Cassie's absence. And asst photographer Josh was occupied also!
They cut out a little early. The cutters on the dance floor were becoming quite vigorous. It was time to cut and run. They hustled to the car and left. But the evening was young.
Josh drove down to the Atlantic shore, he found a place to park overlooking the peaceful waters. The half-moon was shining brightly. Cassie got as close to him as she could. "I'm going to miss you next year," She whispered in his ear; then kissed it.
"I'll miss you too. It's a good thing we have our phones! We may nuke a couple of cell towers in the process." She giggled and snuggled closer.
They stayed for 30"; soft words, kisses and cuddles. They drove slowly home; arriving well before the ETA of 11:00.
Mom snapped more pictures before the formal wear was shed; and the rosebuds totally wilted. And makeup was smudged beyond recognition. They gathered in the FR to relax and tell the family about the prom. All were surprised that Josh wasn't voted prom king. He just shrugged it off. Cassie frowned; but it was a blessing in disguise. She got more of him!
Jamie was pleased with the news that Zeke would also attend Rutgers for 2 years; and play football with Josh. The girls didn't see the point – except Cassie. She was glad that her boyfriend would have a friendly face with him. She got it!
888888888
POST-PROM HIGHLIGHTS
The next morning Josh was trying to sleep in; his little roommates would have none of it.
"Josh, don't you smell breakfast?" Patrick is right in his space.
"Yes, go away boys." He turns over.
"Cassie is making French toast. I love French toast, don't you?" AJ teases him.
"Really?" Muffled in his pillow.
"Yup. It will be gone soon."
"Coming, coming." He swings out of bed and reaches for his robe.
Josh and the boys take their seats at the kitchen table. They are the only ones there.
"Where is everybody?" Josh asks.
"They already ate, sleepyhead." Cassie smirks. "This is 2nd seating."
Josh thinks she looks great this morning. She's wearing a light blue t-shirt over distressed jeans; she stands barefooted at the stove. Her hair is up in a high pony tail. He forgot something!
He gets up from his seat and ambles over to grasp her around the waist from behind. "Good morning, beautiful," as he kisses her neck.
She shivers; he squeezes tighter. "Good morning, handsome." Is this their future? She hopes so.
After eating, he lassos the boys into washing dishes with him. He makes it fun – Cass is amazed as she listens from the FR. As the boys scamper off to play, he joins her on the love seat.
"Is anybody sleeping above the barn? I haven't noticed," Josh inquires.
Cassie cringes, "No, it's been a real disappointment. Ever since Mary Rose's 1st night-
FLASHBACK
BREAKFAST, THE NEXT MORNING
Mary Rose slips into her seat, her eyes red and puffy. Mom comes up behind her and squeezes her shoulders. "It's all right, baby. Don't feel so bad."
"I'm a failure, a wimp mommy!" She sniffles.
"No, you are not. We just hadn't thought of all that might happen. Things caught you by surprise, that's all." Mommy gives her youngest daughter a hug from behind.
"What happened, sweetheart?" Dad asks.
"There were these weird sounds. I went down to check, and Joseph opened one eye; I think he wondered why I was there. Ahd there were these loud thuds, and a whinny. I think Hero. I couldn't sleep, and I got scared. I'm sorry, daddy. I pushed so hard for this, and now-
"Hush, baby. We will work it out. No more sleeping out there until we figure this out." Mom puts her foot down.
They haven't figured things out yet.
88888888
THE NEXT SATURDAY
Jimmy has come over for breakfast. Afterwards he and Nicky ask to talk with Jamie and Eddie. They slip into the office and sit.
Nicky starts, "As you know, Jimmy has started conversion classes with my dad and Josh. We are going to time it so that marriage prep concludes at the same time as conversion class ends." She motions to Jimmy-
"I want to be baptized and married on the same day!" Jimmy grins.
Jamie and Eddie are subtly impressed.
Nicky picks up the baton; "We are wondering if we might live together above the barn, as we work toward these goals-
Cymbal crash and rim shot!
8888888888
TBC